Community Stories

5 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

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I am happy to be a member of Northwoods. Their dedication to the animals and the communities they serve is unsurpassed, and I have seen firsthand what a difference they make. I know that with my monthly membership donation, my money is going to good use.

I have been a volunteer at Northwoods since January 2001. I've enjoyed helping in many ways, including dog walking, cat socialization, adoption counseling, fundraising, public relations, fostering kittens, grant writing and serving on the Board of Directors for 5 years. Both of my beloved cats, Penny & Tilly, are alumni from Northwoods! I've also donated money to the shelter whenever I can. I've always loved that EVERY animal is spayed or neutered before adoption. This is wonderful, but costly and imperative in the mission of animal welfare and pet overpopulation! Northwoods has very few staff and is mostly volunteers. Donations are used to pay for everything from the light bill to computer ink to gasoline for transporting animals to vet appointments for exams and spay & neuter surgeries! Staff and Volunteers work incredibly hard to ensure that each dog, cat, puppy or kitten are cared for while they await their "fur-ever" home. RESCUE, REHABILITATE, REHOME...

I have been a volunteer with Northwoods Humane Society since 2007. I have put in many hundreds of hours in many different capacities as a volunteer. I have found that NHS has always been a place where caring for animals is paramount. The staff's commitment to helping the public find solutions to their animal challenges- whether it be taking in unwanted animals, providing information and opportunities for low-cost pet care, or helping people find new, wonderful pets to add to their families is amazing and admirable. From a veterinary standpoint, cleanliness and illness management are kept to high standards every day. From the perspective of a potential adopter, NHS provides a simple process for finding a new pet and it is easy to feel at ease after seeing how well kept the facilities are and how helpful the staff and volunteers are. I enjoy my time spent volunteering with so many great, committed people, and recommend NHS to everyone I know who is interested in finding a new pet.

I started volunteering at Northwoods Humane Society after I was laid off from work, I had driven past twice a day for 2 years and kept thinking I should try to find some time to volunteer there. In 2011 I started as a dog walker and have loved every walk I went on. Since beginning, I have been given the opportunity to volunteer in multiple roles and learn many skills and aspects of the shelter's operations. Staff at the shelter even remembered my visit (which was 2 years prior) and welcomed me back (in this new role) with welcome arms. The acceptance and kindness I have felt while being at the Northwoods has meant so very much to me. The support I have received from staff and fellow volunteers is equal to a family. This shelter does amazing work and is a vital organization in our small community.

I adopted a female Chihuahua about 11 years ago and a male Chihuahua 4 years ago from this shelter and was very satisfied with the adoption. The shelter is beyond clean and run very well and the staff's dedication to animals is mind-boggling. I have been very happy with my little angel dogs and would most certainly adopt another animal from this shelter in a heartbeat. The shelter manager has had years of dedication to this shelter right from the beginning and you'll not find another person more dedicated to finding homes for these dogs and cats than her. She has a genuine love for pets and works hard for this organization. I only wish we had a shelter as well run as this one is in LaSalle County Illinois. A++++